8 HPLC sample preparation

Formulation and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Polymeric Dispersions Containing Valsartan

BACKGROUND

Valsartan exhibits poor aqueous solubility and dissolution rate limited absorption. The lower solubility in the upper part of gastrointestinal tract (pH-dependant solubility) where its absorption window exists further contributes to the low oral bioavailability of valsartan.

OBJECTIVE

The present work was aimed to improve the in vivo pharmacokinetics of valsartan by preparing amorphous polymeric dispersions using Eudragit E 100 as carrier. Eudragit E 100 is a cationic polymer soluble in gastric fluid up to pH 5.0 and exhibits pH-dependent release. Hence, the dispersions prepared using Eudragit E 100 rapidly dissolves at lower pH presenting drug in molecularly dispersed and soluble form at its absorption site.

METHODS

Polymeric solid dispersions were prepared in different drug-to-carrier ratios. The prepared dispersions were evaluated for drug-carrier interactions, solid-state transitions and drug-release properties with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in vitro dissolution studies. The optimized formulation containing valsartan was tested in rats for bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters and compared with that of valsartan pure drug.

RESULTS

The results from FTIR studies indicated no interactions between drug and excipients. DSC studies confirmed reduction in crystallinity of drug. The dissolution studies performed in 0.1 N HCl showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the dissolution of valsartan. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed 199 % relative bioavailability with significant improvement (p < 0.05) in area under the curve compared to valsartan pure drug.

CONCLUSION

Eudragit E 100 can be used to improve the dissolution of drugs that show low solubility at lower pH and thereby enhancing the bioavailability.

Melt dispersion granules: formulation and evaluation to improve oral delivery of poorly soluble drugs - a case study with valsartan

Solid dispersion (SD) technique is a promising strategy to improve the solubility and dissolution of BCS class II drugs. However, only few products are marketed till today based on SD technology due to poor flow properties and stability. The present work was intended to solve these problems by using combination approach, melt dispersion and surface adsorption technologies. The main aim of the present work is to improve the absorption in the stomach (at lower pH) where the absorption window exists for the drug by improving the dissolution, resulting in the enhancement of oral bioavailability of poorly soluble, weakly acidic drug with pH dependant solubility, i.e. valsartan. Melt dispersion granules were prepared in different ratios using different carriers (Gelucire 50/13, PEG 8000 and Pluronic F-68) and lactose as an adsorbent. Similarly, physical mixtures were also prepared at corresponding ratios. The prepared dispersion granules and physical mixtures were characterized by FTIR, DSC and in vitro dissolution studies. DSC studies revealed reduction in the crystallinity with a possibility of presence of amorphous character of drug in the dispersion granules. From dissolution studies, valsartan Gelucire dispersion (GSD4; 1:4 ratio) showed complete drug release in 30 min against the plain drug which showed only 11.31% of drug release in 30 min. Pharmacokinetic studies of optimized formulation in male Wistar rats showed 2.65-fold higher bioavailability and 1.47-fold higher Cmax compared to pure drug. The melt dispersion technology has the potential to improve dissolution and the bioavailability of BCS class II drugs.